Will Meta's American makeover come to Europe?
Last week, tech giant Meta reached a settlement in a lawsuit with nearly every state in the US over claims that it had knowingly harmed children with its addictive apps. It was a major turn of events in the growing movement to protect kids online – but what does it mean for those of us on this side of the Atlantic? This week, we’re bringing you a fascinating chat with Leanda Barrington-Leach, the executive director at 5Rights, an international NGO that seeks to protect children’s rights and wellbeing on the internet. We’re also unpicking the CIA chief’s visit to Moscow and the surprisingly effective tariff placed on small parcels from China.
You can hear more of our conversation with Leanda over on Patreon.
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Inspiration Station recommendations:
The proposed euro banknote designs
The Polish HBO series Proud
Other resources for this episode:
“China tightens grip on Europe’s car supply chain” – Financial Times, 11 August 2026
“Chinese imports plunge 30% to 40% after EU tax on small parcels” – Euronews, 27 August 2026
“CIA chief used Moscow visit to warn Russia against attacks on NATO allies, helping Iran” – Politico, 26 August 2026
CO-HOSTS
Dominic Kraemer and Wojciech Oleksiak
AUDIO EDITING
Monika Proba
SENIOR PRODUCER
Wojciech Oleksiak
MIXING AND MASTERING
Wojciech Oleksiak
PRODUCERS
Morgan Childs and Wojciech Oleksiak
MUSIC
Jim Barne and Mariska Martina
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